Sea moss | History, presence in popular culture & benefits

Sea moss, Chondrus crispus , sometimes called Irish moss or red seaweed, is a plant indigenous to the coastlines of Europe, North America, and the British Isles. This species of red algae has a characteristic fanned out morphology with slender palm-like fronds. Sea moss exists on a spectrum of colours ranging from a stunning green characteristic of the surface nesters to the deep purplish hue of more deeply dwelling variants.

Reports on the cultural significance of sea moss have underlined a historical application dating back thousands of years to cuisines particularly in East Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and China as well as Ireland and Jamaica, where it had been prominently employed as a thickening agent in soups, stews, desserts, etc. In line with this, carrageenan, a jelly-like extract from sea moss has now found major application in the food industry as a thickener and stabiliser particularly in milk products.

Despite the myriad nutritional benefits historically associated with sea moss consumption including immune system boost, support for thyroid and digestive health, and overall wellness promotion, it has only recently witnessed a swift surge in popularity. This phenomenon followed its inclusion as one of the primary ingredients in a smoothie curated by Hailey Beiber, founder of Rhode cosmetics and wife of global superstar, Justin Beiber, in collaboration with Erewhon, an upscale supermarket chain based in Los Angeles that prides itself on values deeply rooted in sustainability, ethical and mindful consumption and fostering overall wellness and health of its community.

Following its virality on social media and inclusion on multiple health and wellness platforms as a superfood and a recommended supplement, sea moss is now available in a variety of forms including gummies, liquid drops and even capsules. As we navigate an evolutionary landscape characterised by what seems to be a mass return to a holistic way of life, increasing research into and adaptation of sea moss to meet the nutritional needs of modern society represents a resuscitated understanding of and confidence in nature’s gifts.